Wednesday

Aug 19, 2015 at 9:13 PM

In life, Gayle Kitchens O'Brien was something of a whiz in the world of banking and finance. As a student intern at the age of 15, the Lakeland woman found her stride at Polk County Teachers Credit Union. She stayed decades at what eventually became MidFlorida Credit Union, climbing the ladder to hold a top administrative post. O'Brien died in September of complications related to COPD, a chronic lung disease. She was 62.

LAKELAND — In life, Gayle Kitchens O'Brien was something of a whiz in the world of banking and finance.

As a student intern at the age of 15, the Lakeland woman found her stride at Polk County Teachers Credit Union. She stayed decades at what eventually became MidFlorida Credit Union, climbing the ladder to hold a top administrative post.

O'Brien died in September of complications related to COPD, a chronic lung disease. She was 62.

But her former employer wanted to do something to honor her memory, something that would speak volumes of her passion for the less fortunate.

MidFlorida has spoken, to the tune of $50,000.

The money, given recently to Lighthouse Ministries, has helped the Lakeland homeless shelter complete a community room for men in transition to get their lives back in order.

O'Brien would have been proud of the gift in her name, said Steve Turbeville, the shelter's president and CEO.

“She supported Lighthouse,” he said. “She had a passion for the homeless.”

MidFlorida staff and relatives of O'Brien plan a short ceremony at 2 p.m. today at Lighthouse headquarters, 215 E. Magnolia St. The event is open to the public.

O'Brien, a Polk City native, stayed with the credit union for 47 years, working her way through the ranks. Because of failing health, she retired in 2013 as chief administrative officer, having helped shepherd the credit union through a period of expansion into Tampa and beyond.

“She grew up with the credit union, she was very passionate about people and donated money to so many causes,” said Jill Davis, a spokeswoman for MidFlorida.

O'Brien and her husband, Philip O'Brien, a former principal at the Lakeland elementary school that bears his name, were childless. Gayle O'Brien filled the void by giving generously to MidFlorida families down on their luck and children at her husband's school, Davis said.

“She just had a very caring heart. It seemed fitting to give to Lighthouse (Ministries) on her behalf,” she said.

Summertime fundraising is difficult, making MidFlorida's gift all the more special, said Brett Vogeler, board chairman for Lighthouse.

"As you know, times are challenging, and Lighthouse does not take government subsidies," he said. "We rely strictly on the community."

— Eric Pera can be contacted at eric.pera@theledger.com or 863-802-7528.

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